Media Watch

Sunderland tactics and run in predictions

PROBING: Sergio Aguero

The games are coming thick and fast at the moment and the way Pep Guardiola's side are playing, that is a good thing!

City have scored 10 goals in their last two games to keep FA Cup and Champions League pots boiling, and travel to Sunderland in the Premier League next.

There are previews of that game in our latest media round up, plus a smattering of Barcelona-related transfer speculation, so let's get to it.

First up is Phil Smith in the Sunderland Echo, who is trying to figure out the best way of stopping Pep's men.

He declared: "It would take an incredible effort for the Black Cats to keep City out for 90 minutes. Guardiola has assembled one of the most attacking and vibrant sides in Premier League history and their pace will stretch Sunderland.

"The home side will concede chances, of that there is no doubt. What that must not stop is them being bold and committing players on the counter attack. City play without a defensive midfielder in the orthodox sense and will leave gaps between their defence and midfield.

"Sunderland’s only hope is to find a measured way of getting players into that gap and releasing Defoe, who will find space against this defence."

The Daily Telegraph are looking beyond the latest round of games to the season run in to try and figure out who is best placed in the race.

Journalist James Ducker provides the Blues precis, declaring in the form category that: "City have won their past three Premier League matches and, unbeaten in eight in all competitions, have some momentum and are finally discovering a ruthless streak in front of goal."

Ever the opportunists, a few scribes have taken the chance to consider who City might go for from the Barcelona ranks now Luis Enrique has said he will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

Under the headline 'Five Barcelona players Man City may target after Luis Enrique exit' ESPN's Jon Smith writes: "Manchester City may just be keeping a close eye on what happens at Barcelona over the next few months after the announcement that Luis Enrique will leave at the end of the season.

"Uncertainty over a new coach, and what his philosophy will be, could see some of the more established players at Camp Nou considering a move away from the Spanish giants, though if there's one club who have preached continuity in terms of approach, then it is Barcelona.

"That said, City would be in prime position if the right players become available."

On the prospect of Lionel Messi being one of the players targeted Smith adds: "The Argentina striker is still to sign a new contract at Barca with his current deal running out at the end of the 2017-18 season. Guardiola has made no secret of his admiration for Messi - he said in May 2015: 'He is the best player of all time. I can compare him with Pele' - but ruled out speculation over a reunion this month."